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How to Obtain a Freelance Visa in the UAE?

Freelancing has been a growing method of working where you can work from your home. Although it has been there for long, after the covid pandemic, it is becoming more ubiquitous. If you are moving to another country and planning to work as a freelancer, you may need a freelancer visa for the same.

Dubai Freelance Visa
Photo: Freepik

When it comes to countries you should move to, UAE ranks quite well. The UAE is rapidly expanding with steady economic growth and a loyal tax approach. The high level of living and the developed infrastructure entice labor migrants, investors, and freelancers worldwide to buy houses in Dubai Hills for investment or even for living purposes. If you are a freelancer who just wants a home to live in and work from there, you can get it and live there happily. If you want to invest money into real estate in UAE, it is great to have a house in Dubai Hills for a good investment.

What is a Freelance Visa?

Freelance Visa is a type of resident visa provided to autonomous employees and self-employed people in particular zones. Registered freelancers can lawfully live and work with any local firms or residents.

Among other options:

  • Receiving resident status;
  • Opening a bank account;
  • Receiving an Emirates ID.

This type of Visa is started being given as a part of an initiative of Dubai Govt. to help develop their IT sector which can increase the potential for more innovation.

Such Freelance Visa is issued for 2 or 3 years, depending on the emirate. The holder can extend the visa an unlimited number of times when nearing the expiration.

By law, UAE residents and locals and foreign residents who are not residents have the right to accept a freelance visa. As with the resident visa, the family backing clause functions: a freelancer can finance their parents, partner, little kids, and unmarried daughters up to 25.

Thus, a freelance visa combines the principal pros of a work and business visa, providing the opportunity to operate for oneself, independently manage working hours and enjoy all the opportunities of life in a state with a stable economic situation.

Who Can Get a Freelancer Visa?


Freelancer Visa is not for all in the UAE. It is given only to a certain type of professional. If you are into any of these professions, you would qualify for the freelance visa.

  • IT: software developer, web developer, web analyst, etc.
  • Media: correspondent, translator, copywriter, operator, performer, PR expert, etc.
  • Teaching: trainer, teacher, investigator.
  • Design: architect, hairdresser, make-up artist, etc.

You may accept a freelance visa both from abroad and directly in the country: for example, if you are here based on a work visa or as a dependent. If you are employed by a local company based on a valid visa, a letter from the employer confirming the absence of complaints will be required.

As mentioned above, in the UAE, a freelancer visa is valid for 2-3 years. After this period, the self-employed may renew the license, but subject to the preservation of the grounds for its issuance. This means that the foreigner must continue to work in the specified area.

Main features of the Freelance Visa


A freelancer will need a freelance work permit before implicating for a visa. The application is presented to the registration management of the emirate where jobs and places are planned. Permits are given in 3 business centers:

  • Media City: media representatives;
  • Internet City: technical specialties;
  • Knowledge Park:  representatives of the teaching sector.

The permit is a license from a company that partners with the Dubai government and executes strategic innovations in the emirate.

A UAE citizen’s spouse or children are not demanded to apply for a freelance visa. It is enough to apply for a permit on the GoFreelance website to work as a self-employed person. Together with the application, a package of papers is proposed.

What Papers Are Required?

To apply for a visa, the registration authority must provide the next papers:

  • passport with a copy;
  • color photo 3×4;
  • information about the account;
  • medical insurance;
  • summary;
  • certificate;
  • portfolio.

The chances of obtaining a visa increase with job offers or a business plan.

Documents must be translated into English and certified by the consulate of the UAE.

After submitting a package of documents for a freelancer visa in the UAE, the application will be considered in about 3-5 business days. After that, the decision will be notified to the applicant’s email address. If it turns out to be positive, the letter will contain the data for paying the fee.

How much does a freelancer visa cost? The visa fee is paid one time. The price is $2050. You can pay at the representative office where the application is submitted and by online transfer. After payment, an appointment is made to pass the licensing and receive a visa.

Other methods to get a visa


A freelancer visa is far from the only method to get a resident visa for foreigners who do not plan to work for a local organization. You can become a resident after buying villas or apartments in Dubai worth at least $204,000. To buy property in Dubai will be a reasonable investment, with a rental yield of up to 10% per annum.

There are specialists who are ready to offer their help when purchasing real estate and getting a resident visa. We will select an object according to your necessities, organize the papers and bring the transaction to registration. It cooperates with buyers worldwide, organizing an online screening and supplying a small conclusion of a preliminary contract. Contact the specialist and acquire the most suitable recommendations from trusted developers in Dubai.

About the author

Shelly

Shelly is an avid reader, and the love of reading takes her to content writing eventually. She loves writing on various topics.

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